adaptation preparedness scoreboard · 2018-11-13 · adaptation strategies adopted at subnational...
TRANSCRIPT
Date: 06 July 2018
Adaptation preparedness scoreboard
Country fiche for Belgium
Note to the Reader
Under Action 1 of the EU’s Strategy on adaptation to climate change (COM(2013)216), in
collaboration with the Member States, the Commission developed an ‘adaptation
preparedness scoreboard’. Using the scoreboard, the Commission prepared country fiches
on each Member State in an iterative consultation process.1 The country fiches assess the
Member States’ adaptation policy as of June 2018, including the content of NASs and plans,
for the following aspects:
Institutional structure
Quality of national vulnerability assessments
Knowledge creation (national observation systems in relevant sectors2 and
climate modelling), transfer and use
Action plans:
- Quality (incl. the basis used for assessment of adaptation options)
- Actual implementation mechanisms
Funding mechanisms
Mainstreaming into sectoral policies, in particular:
- Disaster risk reduction
- Spatial planning
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA) (how the Directive is
transposed)
- Insurance policy
Transboundary cooperation
Monitoring mechanisms in different sectors and governance levels
1 The first versions of the fiches, prepared in consultation with the Member States in 2014-15, were
unpublished and used to fine-tune the scoreboard. The second drafts were published, after consulting the
Member States, as background documents to the public consultation on this evaluation in December 2017.
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/consultations/evaluation-eus-strategy-adaptation-climate-change_en The final
Member State consultation on the draft fiches took place in June 2018. 2 These relate for example to meteorology, floods, drought, sea level, coastal erosion, biodiversity,
human/animal/plant health etc.
EUROPEAN
COMMISSION
Page 2 of 32
The fiches are based on internal work by the Commission and on targeted assistance from
an external contractor. They also served as input to the assessment of Action 1 of the
Strategy during its evaluation. Annex IX of the Commission’s SWD(2018)461 on the
evaluation of the Strategy presents a horizontal assessment of the 28 country fiches, while
Annex X presents the list of scoreboard indicators and the methodology used in applying
them.
The assessments in the country fiches (yes/no/in progress) need to be read in conjunction
with the narrative that accompanies them. They assess the state of play within each EU
Member State. While all effort has been made to ensure the coherence across fiches in the
assessment of the same indicator, it should not be directly compared across the Member
States. Two countries with a "yes" on the same indicator could have a different national
situation leading to that assessment. Not all indicators have the "in progress" status, some
can only be "yes" or "no".
Page 3 of 32
Table of contents
List of abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 4
POLICY FRAMEWORK ....................................................................................................... 5
Adaptation strategies ............................................................................................................ 5
A1. National adaptation strategy ...................................................................................... 5
A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels .................................................. 6
Adaptation action plans ........................................................................................................ 6
B1. National adaptation action plan ................................................................................. 6
B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level ......................................................... 6
B3. Sectoral adaptation plans ........................................................................................... 8
SCOREBOARD ...................................................................................................................... 8
Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation ....................................................................... 8
1. Coordination structure .................................................................................................. 8
2. Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development .................................................... 10
Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change .......................................... 11
3. Current and projected climate change ........................................................................ 11
4. Knowledge gaps ......................................................................................................... 14
5. Knowledge transfer ..................................................................................................... 15
Step C: Identifying adaptation options .............................................................................. 17
6. Adaptation options’ identification .............................................................................. 17
7. Funding resources identified and allocated ................................................................ 19
Step D: Implementing adaptation action ............................................................................ 19
8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes ....................................................... 19
9. Implementing adaptation ............................................................................................ 22
Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities ............................................... 25
10. Monitoring, reporting and evaluation. ...................................................................... 25
11. Evaluation ................................................................................................................. 27
SUMMARY TABLE ............................................................................................................ 28
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List of abbreviations
AMICE Adaptation of the Meuse to the Impacts of Climate Evolution
BELSPO Belgian Federal Science Policy Office
CCIEP Coordination Committee for International Environmental Policy
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
NAP National Adaptation Plan
NAS National Adaptation Strategy
NCC National Climate Commission
RMI Royal Meteorological Institute
SSD Science for a Sustainable Development programme
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
TIDE Tidal River Development
VAP Flemish Adaptation Plan
VMM Flanders Environment Agency
WGA Working Group on Adaptation
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POLICY FRAMEWORK
Belgium is a federal state, composed of three regions and three language-based
communities, each with its own executive and legislative bodies. These bodies intervene on
an equal footing but in different areas of competence3. The federal state level is in charge of
competences like foreign affairs, national defence and parts of national health4. This
division of power means that what is considered as Belgium’s national climate adaptation
policy is in fact the combination of the federal and three regional climate adaptation
policies, which are those of the Walloon, the Flemish and the Brussels Capital region.
At the national level, the National Climate Commission (NCC) plays the main role in
internal coordination of climate policy. The Coordination Committee for International
Environmental Policy (CCIEP) deals with international environmental affairs. The NCC,
and more specifically its Working Group on Adaptation (WGA), is responsible for the
development, adoption and implementation of the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) and
the National Adaptation Plan (NAP)5. The WGA is composed of representatives from the
Federal Government and the three different regions, as mentioned above6,7
:
The Federal Government: Federal Public Service Health, Food Chain Safety and
Environment (DG Environment) and Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (DG Development Cooperation and
Humanitarian Aid)
Flemish region: Department of Environment and Spatial Development
Walloon region: Agence wallonne de l’air & du climat
Brussels region: Environment Brussels.
When describing the national climate adaptation policy in the analysis presented in this
document, all relevant activities in each of the four governments are included.
Intergovernmental mechanisms refer to collaborations between the Federal, Flemish,
Walloon and Brussels Capital regions. Vertical mechanisms are mechanisms between these
regions and the provincial and local level.
3 Further details are available at: belgium.be, Date accessed: 01/06/2018
4 Belgium, a Federal State, URL: https://www.belgium.be/en/about_belgium/government/federale_staat, Date
accessed: 01/06/2018 5 National adaptation strategy, URL: https://www.cnc-nkc.be/sites/default/files/content/be_nas_2010.pdf, Date
accessed: 01/06/2018 6 Beslissorganen, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/nl-be/klimaatbeleid/belgisch-klimaatbeleid/nationaal-
beleid/beslissingsorganen/ Date accessed: 01/06/2018 7 The National Climate Commission, URL: https://www.cnc-nkc.be/en/about-national-climate-commission,
Date accessed: 01/06/2018
Page 6 of 32
Adaptation strategies
A1. National adaptation strategy
Belgium has a National Adaptation Strategy (NAS), which was approved in 2010. The NAS
describes the main climate impacts, the existing adaptation responses, a roadmap to the
National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and some policy guidelines for a climate proof future. The
priority sectors are health, tourism, agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, ecosystems and water,
coastal, marine and tidal areas, and production systems and physical infrastructure. The
NAS pursues the improvement of the communication of and coherence between the
adaptation activities among the different governments.
A2. Adaptation strategies adopted at subnational levels
The Federal Government and each of the three regional governments – the Walloon region,
the Flemish Region and the Brussels Capital region – together contribute to the national
adaptation policy. They do not have separate adaptation strategies, but are each responsible
for part of the NAS relevant to their competences.
Adaptation action plans
B1. National adaptation action plan
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) was approved in April 2017. Priority sectors addressed
in the NAP are agriculture, coastal areas, fishery, spatial planning and infrastructure, forests,
biodiversity, energy, health, water management, tourism, industry and services, research and
international cooperation8. The NAP complements the existing Flemish, Brussels Capital,
Walloon and Federal adaptation plans. It includes some additional adaptation measures to
improve the coordination and information exchange between the different governments, for
example developing high-resolution climate scenarios and a roadmap for a Belgian Centre
of Excellence on adaptation.
B2. Adaptation plans adopted at sub-national level
The Federal Government and the three regional governments have developed and adopted
adaptation plans, each in their own areas of competence.
On 28 June 2013, Flanders adopted the Flemish Climate Policy Plan 2013-2020, including a
section on adaptation known as the Flemish Adaptation Plan (VAP)9. The primary goals are
8 Nationale Adaptation Plan België, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date
accessed: 01/06/2018. English version available at: https://www.cnc-
nkc.be/sites/default/files/report/file/nap_en.pdf 9 Vlaams Adaptatieplan, URL: https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2013-06-28_VAP.pdf, Date
accessed: 01/06/2018
Page 7 of 32
to assess climate vulnerability and improve Flanders' ability to deal with climate impacts.
The pursuit of these goals is described in the plan as the "climate reflex". The 11 Flemish
governmental departments concerned maintain responsibility for the adaptation actions in
their policy domain and bear the cost of these actions using their usual financial resources.
On 2 May 2013, the Brussels Capital Region adopted its Air-Climate-Energy Code (known
as COBRACE10
). It serves as a legal basis for its Integrated Air-Climate-Energy Plan, which
was adopted on 2 June 2016 and which includes a section on adaptation11
. Priority sectors
are water management, infrastructure and built areas, energy, green areas and, forests. Other
thematic plans that include adaptation measures are the 2012 Regional Water Management
Plan12
, including a flood prevention plan created in 2003. A second regional water
management plan has been adopted for the period 2016-2020 and integrates consideration of
floods and flood risks13
. Furthermore, the region adopted the "Forêt de Soignes"
management plan (2003)14
and its Nature Plan (2016), which both include adaptation
measures.
In January 2014, the Walloon government adopted its ‘Climate Decree’15
giving a legal
framework for climate policy in Wallonia. The main implementation instrument is the ‘Air-
Climate-Energy Plan 2016 – 2022’16
which contains a section on adaptation and was
adopted on 21 April 201617
. This adaptation section summarises the impacts and
vulnerability assessments, as well as detailed adaptation actions to deal with these impacts
and vulnerabilities in the following sectors: agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, water, health
and tourism.
10 Air-Climate-Energy Code Brussels, URL:
http://environnement.brussels/thematiques/mobilite/stationnement-cobrace, Date accessed: 01/06/2018 11
Brussels Climate Plan, URL:
http://document.environnement.brussels/opac_css/elecfile/PLAN_AIR_CLIMAT_ENERGIE_NL_DEF.pdf,
Date accessed: 01/06/2018 12
2012 Regional Water Management Plan, URL: http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/eau/plan-
de-gestion-de-leau/plan-de-gestion-de-leau-2009-2015?view_pro=1, Date accessed: 01/06/2018 13
Brussels Watermanagement plan, URL: http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/eau/plan-de-
gestion-de-leau, Date accessed: 01/06/2018 14
"Forêt de Soignes" management plan (2003), URL:
http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-biodiversite/action-de-la-region/plan-de-
gestion-pour-la-foret-de?view_pro=1, Date accessed: 01/06/2018
15 Climate Decree, URL: http://environnement.wallonie.be/legis/air/air074.html, Date accessed: 10/05/2018 16
Walloon Climate Plan, URL:
http://www.awac.be/images/Pierre/PACE/Plan%20Air%20climat%20%C3%A9nergie%202016_2022.pdf,
Date accessed: 01/06/2018 17
Adaptation section of PACE, URL: http://www.awac.be/index.php/thematiques/changement-
climatique/adaptation#en-wallonie-de-la-concertation-au-pace, Date accessed: 01/06/2018
Page 8 of 32
On 28 October 2016, the Federal Government adopted the Federal Contribution to the
National Adaptation Plan18
, which identifies federal adaptation actions in sectors like crisis
management and transport.
In addition, some provincial and local governments have signed the Covenant of Mayors for
Climate and Energy and have developed adaptation plans, amongst others the Province of
Antwerp,19
the Province of Limburg20
, and the City of Gent21
B3. Sectoral adaptation plans
No sectoral adaptation plans have been identified. Sectoral adaptation measures from the
different policy departments are, however, integrated in the national, federal and regional
adaptation plans.
SCOREBOARD
Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation
1. Coordination structure
1a. A central administration body officially in charge of adaptation policy making
Yes/ No
In Belgium, the central administration body in charge of Belgian adaptation policy is the
WGA22
, which is part of the NCC. It is the responsibility of the WGA to develop the NAS
and the NAP. Representatives of the four levels of the Government, i.e. the Federal
Government and the three regional governments, form the WGA. All of these four
governments are equal and there is no hierarchical relationship between the regions and the
federal authority.
18 Federal contribution to national adaptation plan, URL:
http://www.klimaat.be/files/5514/7915/5040/federale_bijdrage_adaptatieplan.pdf, Date accessed: 01/06/2018
19
Adaptatieplan Provincie Antwerpen, URL:
https://www.provincieantwerpen.be/content/dam/provant/dlm/dmn/klimaat/ProvinciaalAdaptatiePlan.pdf,
Date accessed: 01/06/2018
20
Adaptatieplan Provincie Limburg, URL:
http://www.limburg.be/webfiles/limburg/product/klimaat_klimaatadaptatieplan_2017.pdf, Date accessed:
01/06/2018
21 Adaptatieplan Gent, URL: https://klimaat.stad.gent/sites/default/files/klimaatadaptatieplan_gent.pdf, Date
accessed: 01/06/2018
22 Working Group on Adaptation, URL: https://www.cnc-nkc.be/nl/wg-adaptatie, Date accessed: 01/06/2018
Page 9 of 32
1b. Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist within the governance
system, with division of responsibilities
Yes/ In progress/ No
Horizontal coordination among sectors is organised by each of the federal and regional
governments via meetings in committees and contact groups. These groups bring together
representatives of various sectoral policy departments that are likely to be affected by
climate change, such as water, agriculture, nature and forests, agriculture, health, spatial
planning, disaster risk management, etc. Horizontal coordination mainly includes
identification and follow-up of priority goals and adaptation actions. Furthermore, it
addresses information and data exchange and pursues communication and synergy between
the different sectors. The WGA, mandated by the NCC, was the central actor for the
drafting of the NAS and the NAP. The WGA is in charge of the consultation with and
coordination of the different regional/federal sectors for the elaboration, implementation and
monitoring of the NAP.
1c. Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination mechanisms exist within
the governance system, enabling lower levels of administration to influence policy
making
Yes/ In progress/ No
To develop the NAS, representatives of the different governments of the WGA met
regularly and continue to do so in order to discuss progress of the NAS and the
implementation of adaptation plans.
Vertical coordination in Belgium refers to coordination between the four governments, the
ten provinces and the 589 local authorities. Vertical coordination is in place at some levels
but not in a systematic manner. At the regional level, the departments involved in adaptation
are in touch with provinces and local authorities, although not always through formal
working groups or coordination mechanisms between the regional level and the provincial
or the local authorities, but rather through cooperation mechanisms.
The federal level has no competence with regard to provinces and local authorities.
In Flanders, there is no formal coordination mechanism that vertically coordinates the
provincial and local authorities, nevertheless coordination exists ad hoc and related to
specific initiatives, such as the development of an adaptation portal. Furthermore, there was
a pilot group with representatives of some local authorities and provinces that aimed to co-
Page 10 of 32
develop adaptation support tools, including a tool to explore adaptation measures23
, good
adaptation practices, and a climate portal (under development) that collects all data on
climate impacts at a municipal level in Flanders24
.
In contrast to Flanders, vertical coordination in Wallonia is formal. In July 2017, the
Government signed a commitment to be a territorial coordinator of the Covenant of Mayors.
In addition, the Walloon region has elaborated comparable adaptation support tools for local
authorities25
.
Vertical coordination is also planned to take place via the official territorial coordinators of
the Covenant of Mayors. Eight out of ten Belgian provinces, and about 12 associations of
municipalities (‘intercommunales’) have signed up as territorial coordinators. The main
focus of this coordination so far is on mitigation, but it is expected that these administrations
will also play a role in adaptation26
.
There is no specific vertical coordination between Brussels Capital government and the
local authorities.
2. Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development
2a. A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders' involvement in the
preparation of adaptation policies
Yes / No
Stakeholders are involved in the preparation and implementation of adaptation policies in
various ways.
In all four governments, focus groups that included representatives of the different policy
departments were established to identify objectives and priority measures. In addition, other
stakeholders have been consulted as well during the process. More specifically:
At the level of the Federal Government, there was a public consultation on the
federal plan ‘adaptation to climate change’ (later renamed ‘federal contribution to
the NAP’) between 17 February and 18 April 2014. Stakeholders involved included
citizens, NGOs and sectoral organisations. The plan was also submitted to the
23 Klimaatadaptatieportaal, URL: http://www.burgemeestersconvenant.be/klimaatadaptatie, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
24 Klimaatportaal, URL: https://www.milieurapport.be/klimaatportaal, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
25 Adaptation portal for Walloon local authorities, URL:
http://www.awac.be/index.php/en/thematiques/changement-climatique/adaptation#a-diagnosis-of-
vulnerability-at-the-local-level, http://leswallonssadaptent.be, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
26 Territorial coordinators Convenant of Mayors, URL: https://www.covenantofmayors.eu/about/covenant-
community/coordinators.html, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 11 of 32
Federal Council for Sustainable Development that includes representatives of
society, including environmental organisations, organisation for development
cooperation, users’, employees’ and employers’ bodies, youth organisations and
scientists.
In Flanders, stakeholder consultation during the development of the adaptation plan
was carried out twice via ‘roundtables’. The first roundtable presented preliminary
ideas about the adaptation plan, while the second roundtable focused on the draft
version of the plan to offer a platform for stakeholders to discuss it. Stakeholders
included industry representatives, environmental organisations, farmer organisations
and youth associations. Furthermore, the ‘MINAraad’ was consulted on the draft
Flemish Climate Plan.
In the Walloon region, there was a public consultation on the adaptation plan in the
summer of 2014. Citizens, companies and local authorities took part in the
consultation27
.
The Brussels adaptation plan went to public consultation in 2015.
The national adaptation plan was submitted for consultation to the federal and regional
advice councils, which include stakeholders from all societal sectors, such as environment,
industry, employee, and science.
2b. Transboundary cooperation is planned to address common challenges with
relevant countries
Yes/ No
Transboundary cooperation is a priority in the NAP28
. Action 10 of the NAP (“Promote
transnational cooperation on adaptation”) aims to facilitate transnational cooperation on
adaptation, covering both international cooperation between (neighbouring) countries and
cross-border cooperation among countries with shared cross-border resources (e.g. water,
protected areas) or other shared interests. The main foci for transboundary cooperation are
disaster management, nature and water management. Cooperation mechanisms in these
sectors already existed, nevertheless, it was recognised that further cooperation was needed.
For instance, Belgium takes part in transboundary water management commissions of the
Meuse and Scheldt. Belgium participated in Interreg projects, such as TIDE (Tidal River
Development), AMICE, and Future Cities. Furthermore, the Flemish government
coordinates the Interreg 2 Seas project PROWATER (protecting and restoring raw water
sources through actions at the landscape scale), which is expected to start in September
2018.
27 Public Consultation Walloon climate plan, URL: http://www.climat.be/fr-be/news/2014/consultation-
publique-plan-air-climat-energie-de-la-wallonie/ Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
28 National Adaptation Plan Belgium, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 12 of 32
So far, transboundary co-operation on adaptation in the BENELUX countries has been ad
hoc. For instance, in 2016 the BENELUX secretariat organised workshops on adaptation
concerning the following sectors: transport, energy, health and crisis management29
. The
expectation is that more formal transboundary cooperation will be established in the coming
years30
.
Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change
3. Current and projected climate change
3a. Observation systems are in place to monitor climate change, extreme climate
events and their impacts
Yes / In progress/ No
Belgium has observation systems that allow for long-term monitoring of temperature,
precipitation and sea level. This monitoring work is carried out by the Royal Meteorological
Institute (RMI)31
and the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level.
Climate impacts are monitored by the different organisations:
Different climate impact studies have been performed for Belgium in the framework
of CORDEX.be project on: extreme precipitation; maximum snow height; urban
parameters for Brussels (including outdoor labour productivity, excess energy
consumption and heat stress due to heat waves); agricultural crop performance and
yield as well as biogenic emissions.
Impacts on forests and nature: by Brussels Environment32
, Walloon Observatory of
Forest Health33
and the Research Institute for Nature and Forest in Flanders.34
Impacts on the oceans: the Flemish Hydrography and Royal Institute of Natural
Sciences.
Impact on water: flood, water quality and drought – Flanders Hydraulics Research,
the Flemish water managers35
, the Walloon Waterways36
, the Walloon Flood
29Cooperation BENELUX on Adaptation, URL:
http://www.benelux.int/fr/publications/publications/adaptation-au-changement-climatique-au-sein-du-benelux,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
30 National Adaptationplan Belgium, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018
31 KMI/RMI: URL http://www.kmi.be/meteo/view/nl/357714-Algemeen.html, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
32 Brussels Environment, URL: http://www.environnement.brussels/thematiques/espaces-verts-et-
biodiversite/la-foret-de-soignes/gestion-de-la-foret?view_pro=1&view_school=1, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
33 Walloon Observatory of forest health, URL:
http://owsf.environnement.wallonie.be/fr/index.html?IDC=5636, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
34 INBO research institute for nature and forest in Flanders, URL: https://www.inbo.be/en, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
Page 13 of 32
Portal37
, Brussels Environment, Royal Institute of Natural Sciences. Impact on
extreme precipitation, heat waves, and droughts is collected by the RMI. In 2015, the
RMI published “Vigilance climatique”. In 2015 the Flanders Environment Agency
(VMM) published the ‘MIRA Climate Report 2015: About observed and future
climate changes in Flanders and Belgium’. The indicators from the report are
regularly updated on their website. Due to the dry conditions in Flanders, the VMM
published a report on drought38
based on hydrological and meteorological indicators
in June 2017.
Since 1992 the EM-DAT database has recorded the number of victims (deaths and affected
persons) of natural disasters in Belgium. Indicators are developed by the Federal Planning
Bureau.39
To conclude, observation systems for many climate impacts are in place, however,
they sometimes are fragmentary and not always available for the whole of Belgium.
3b. Scenarios and projections are used to assess the economic, social and
environmental impacts of climate change, taking into account geographical
specificities and best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC assessments)
Yes/ In progress/ No
While Belgium does not formally have a national climate centre, the CORDEX.be project40
(Combining regional downscaling expertise in Belgium: CORDEX and Beyond 2015-2017)
provided a platform for data exchange and communication among the Belgian climate
modelling groups. CORDEX.be makes use of the most recent IPCC scenarios (2014). All
impact assessments rely on these models. In the context of the CORDEX.be project, a wide
range of climate model simulations have been performed that are collected on the
CORDEX.be data hub at the RMI and will serve as the basis of future impact studies. The
model simulations are thoroughly validated by comparison with past observations and
GNSS-derived products.
3c. Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority vulnerable sectors are
undertaken to support adaptation decision making
Yes/ In progress/ No
35 Flanders Hydraulics Research, URL: http://www.waterinfo.be./ Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
36 Walloon Waterways, URL: http://voies-hydrauliques.wallonie.be/opencms/opencms/fr, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
37 Walloon Flood Portal, URL: http://environnement.wallonie.be/inondations/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
38 VVM drought report, URL: http://www.waterinfo.be/download/e8cd3c39-0463-478e-a41b-
1d3bfbad332c?dl=0, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
39 Federal Planning Bureau EM-DAT database, URL:
http://www.indicators.be/fr/i/BGD_CLI_NDV/Victimes_de_catastrophes_naturelles, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
40 CORDEX – project, URL: http://www.euro-cordex.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 14 of 32
The NAP provides sound climate risk and vulnerability assessments for 11 key sectors:
agriculture, coastal areas, fishery, spatial planning and infrastructure, forests, biodiversity,
energy, health, water management, tourism, industry and services. The assessments indicate
the types and intensity of climate impacts on these sectors by a colour gradation from green
to red (opportunity to threat). The assessment is carried out in a qualitative way and
provides climate impact information for the periods 2030, 2050 and 2085 within wet, mean
and dry scenarios. The assessment is the combination of the results of the different climate
impact assessments carried out by the regional governments and impact studies at federal
level. In addition, the Flemish Environment Agency has published a climate assessment
report in 201541
and the research report on indicators for urban heat island effect in
Flanders42
.
3d. Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take transboundary risks into account,
when relevant
Yes/ In Progress/ No
Taking into account transboundary risks is not yet common practice in climate risk and
vulnerability assessments in Belgium. It is mainly in the field of flood risk management
where progress has been made, primarily as a result of joint projects. One of the examples is
the Interreg AMICE project for which scientists from France, Belgium and the Netherlands
have built a transnational scenario to evaluate climate impacts with regards to flood risks in
the Meuse river basin. Another example is the ENDURE Interreg project, which aims to
improve the adaptive capacity by focusing on the protection of sand dunes in the 2 Seas
area. Furthermore, the Flemish drought and water scarcity indicator also considers risks of
upstream parts of the international basins43
.
4. Knowledge gaps
4a. Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and address the knowledge gaps
Yes/ In progress/ No
Research for better understanding is part of the Belgian adaptation policy. Knowledge gaps
are addressed by:
1) Conventional research funding organisations. Knowledge gaps are mentioned in a
general way but researchers have some freedom to determine the focus of their
41 Climate assessment report 2015, URL: http://www.milieurapport.be/nl/publicaties/topicrapporten/mira-
rapport-klimaat-2015/ Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
42 Urban Heat Island report, URL: http://www.milieurapport.be/nl/publicaties/topicrapporten/mira-rapport-
klimaat-2015/ Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
43 Risks in river basins, URL: http://www.milieurapport.be/nl/feitencijfers/milieuthemas/waterkwantiteit/
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 15 of 32
research. The Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO) financed several
projects on climate impacts and adaptation through the former ‘Science for a
Sustainable Development’ (SSD) programme44
. Topics and sector-specific domains
of interest addressed include transport, hydrological events, surface water, coastal
management, fisheries and health. Several research projects have been launched to
increase knowledge of climate impacts and adaptation through the BRAIN-be
programme45
. In 2014, the call for project proposals by BELSPO included climate
adaptation as one of its four priority themes. Special attention was directed to two
research activities: understanding sectoral climate impacts, and developing policy
decision-support tools that aim at evaluating the effects of climate change. The
BRAIN-BE call in 2016 included a call for proposals for developing scientific
support for the development of climate services. Unfortunately, no projects were
selected for funding.
In total five projects are funded in the framework of the ERA4CS Joint Call on
Researching and Advancing Climate Services Development by (A) Advanced co-
development with users (B) Institutional integration, linked to the JPI Climate (two
cash-funded via BELSPO and three funded in kind via RMI).
2) Research and studies funded by the policy departments themselves. These studies are
upon request and knowledge gaps are identified and specified. Examples of these
studies are the study on climate proof spatial planning, or on the needs assessment
for local authorities on climate adaptation planning.
3) A think tank consisting of academics and other experts on climate adaptation
(Flanders only), which was subsidised by the Flemish government from 2015 – 2017
to develop and spread knowledge on adaptation across disciplines. Knowledge gaps
were identified and addressed during meetings46,47
.
5. Knowledge transfer
5a. Adaptation relevant data and information is available to all stakeholders, including
policy makers (e.g. through a dedicated website or other comparable means).
Yes/ In progress/ No
44 Science for a Sustainable Development” programme, URL:
http://www.belspo.be/belspo/ssd/science/pr_climate_nl.stm Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
45 BRAIN-be programme, URL: https://www.belspo.be/belspo/brain-be/index_fr.stm Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
46 DenkTank Adaptatie, URL: http://dka.ugent.be/index.php/cases-2/eindcongres-denktank-klimaatadaptatie-
vlaanderen, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
47 DenkTank Adaptatie, URL: http://www.dka.ugent.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 16 of 32
Information that is useful for adaptation is available online and can be used by different
types of stakeholders.
In Flanders, there are portals with abundant adaptation-relevant information, including:
An overview of Flemish adaptation policy48
Climate change information49
Support for local authorities50
.
A climate portal will also soon be launched that includes geographical climate impact
information at a detailed level for all Flemish municipalities51
. The main policy department
in climate adaptation has initiated this data provision.
In Wallonia, it is the Walloon Agency for Air & Climate (AWAC) that provides the online
information to support adaptation. This information mainly aims at different sectors and at
local authorities52
The Brussels Capital region offers information on its website mainly limited to the policy
plan53
.
At the federal level, the website54
provides information on climate change and climate
adaptation policy at all levels as well as climate observations and impacts.
A dedicated national online platform55
is planned (with a committed budget) at the national
level, as mentioned in the NAP.
5b. Capacity building activities take place; education and training materials on climate
change adaptation concepts and practices are available and disseminated
Yes/In progress/ No
A limited number of specific education and training materials could be identified in the
available sources of information.56
48 Vlaams adaptatiebeleid, URL: http://www.vlaamseklimaattop.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
49 MIRA Klimaatrapport, URL: http://www.milieurapport.be/nl/publicaties/topicrapporten/mira-rapport-
klimaat-2015/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 50
Ondersteuning lokale overheden, URL: http://www.vlaamseklimaattop.be/ondersteuning-lokale-overheden,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 ; adaptatieportaal, URL: http://www.burgemeestersconvenant.be, Date accessed
on: 01/06/2018; Klimaat en Ruimte, URL: http://www.klimaatenruimte.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
51 Klimaatportaal, URL: https://www.milieurapport.be/klimaatportaal, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 52
URL: http://www.awac.be/index.php/l-adaptation, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 53
COBRACE, URL: http://environnement.brussels/thematiques/air-climat/laction-de-la-region/air-climat-et-
energie-vision-integree?view_pro=1&view_school=1, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 54
URL: http://www.climatechange.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 55
URL: www.adapt2climate.be, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 17 of 32
Some more generic materials, considering impacts and adaptation exist, such as the
“KLIMOS” environmental sustainability toolkit for development cooperation, and
educational files on climate change targeted to young students.
There has also been some capacity building of local authorities, particularly on how to
develop adaptation plans. Several workshops were organised for the Walloon municipalities
to disseminate these tools, within two frameworks: the Floods Directive and the elaboration
of flood risk management plans; and the Walloon POLLEC Programme, which provides
regional support to the cities in relation to the Covenant of Mayors objectives.
It is expected that the capacity building for public officers to develop adaptation plans will
be developed in the near future in Flanders57
as well. The Flemish Region and some Flemish
provinces have organised a number of annual conferences, aiming at climate practitioners to
share their experiences on mitigation and adaptation58
.
In addition, national conferences and roundtables are organised in a coordinated way by
regional and federal governments to implement the NAP (Measure 4 ‘Strengthening sectoral
coordination at national level’). The 1st Conference ‘Adaptation to Climate Change: What is
the Situation in Belgium’ was organised in November 201759
and was attended by around
one hundred people.
Step C: Identifying adaptation options
6. Adaptation options’ identification
6a. Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in 3c, the geographical
specificities identified in 3b and follow best practices in similar contexts
Yes / No
56 Outils de vulgarisation, URL: http://www.awac.be/index.php/mediatheque/outils-de-vulgarisation, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018
See also "Weather forecast in 2050" video to sensitize population to the future climate of Christmas in
Belgium in 2050 (initiative during the WMO climate summit), URL:
http://www.awac.be/index.php/mediatheque/multimedia-1/item/98-bulletin-meteo-en-2050, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
57 Ondersteuning lokale overheden, URL: http://www.vlaamseklimaattop.be/ondersteuning-lokale-overheden,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
58 Interprovinciale klimaatdag, URL: https://www.west-
vlaanderen.be/kwaliteit/Leefomgeving/klimaat/Documents/Verslag%20interprovinciale%20klimaatdag%2013
%20oktober%202016.pdf en
Vlaams Brabant Klimaatneutraal, URL: http://www.vlaamsbrabant.be/wonen-milieu/milieu-en-natuur/vlaams-
brabant-klimaatneutraal/samen-met-jou-naar-een-klimaatneutrale-provincie/klimaattop-vlaams-
brabant/index.jsp, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
59 National climate Commission, URL: https://www.cnc-nkc.be/en/ConfAdapt, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 18 of 32
Relevant adaptation options for each sector in the national, the federal and regional
adaptation plans were selected on the basis of sound sectoral risk and vulnerability
assessments60
. The options were identified by expert judgement of the relevant policy
departments. Besides sectoral adaptation options, the regional, federal and national
adaptation plans also mentioned ‘horizontal’ adaptation options like research, international
collaboration and transversal affairs. These adaptation options result from ambitions to
better coordinate adaptation actions and are related to identified adaptation needs61
.
6b. The selection of priority adaptation options is based on robust methods (e.g. multi-
criteria analyses, stakeholders' consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-
making frameworks
Yes / No
The selection of priority adaptation options for the NAP is the result of an extensive
process. It was based on an analysis of the measures contained in the adaptation plans (three
regions and the Federal Government) with the aim to identify the gaps and/or the
opportunities for synergies. It was also based on the EU adaptation framework (particularly
the EU Adaptation Strategy and its accompanying documents), and a study exploring
potential national adaptation actions to be implemented jointly by the federal and regional
authorities. The WGA of the NCC identified a set of measures based on this analysis. The
relevance and feasibility of the measures were analysed in consultation with the relevant
sectoral experts, according to criteria, such as the opportunity for implementation (focusing
on the integration of adaptation into planned sectoral projects/process), the national added-
value (i.e. the extent of benefits for all four entities) and the urgency of action.
6c. Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk management and climate
change adaptation and to ensure coherence between the two policies
Yes/ In progress / No
60 Federal contribution to the national adaptation plan, URL:
http://www.klimaat.be/files/5514/7915/5040/federale_bijdrage_adaptatieplan.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018;
Vlaams adaptatieplan, URL: https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2013-06-28_VAP.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018;
COBRA, URL:
http://document.environnement.brussels/opac_css/elecfile/PLAN_AIR_CLIMAT_ENERGIE_NL_DEF.pdf,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018;
PACE, URL:
http://www.awac.be/images/Pierre/PACE/Plan%20Air%20climat%20%C3%A9nergie%202016_2022.pdf,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
61 National Adaptation plan, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date accessed
on: 01/06/2018
Page 19 of 32
There is some evidence available on coordination mechanisms between the authorities
dealing with disaster risk management and adaptation policies. There has been increased
coordination in the context of the Federal contribution to the NAP, as the Federal
Government is in charge of crisis and emergency management.
Belgium fostered better coordination between disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
by gathering the regional and federal crisis centre, adaptation experts, and climate services
scientists in September 2017. Future coordination will build on the work realized in the
framework of the cordex.be project and will look further into how to mainstream climate
change in disaster risk prevention and management. This would be in line with
implementation of Measure 11 of the NAP and Measure 5 of the Federal contribution to the
NAP.
A national platform for disaster risk reduction (Sendaï platform) was established in 2016
(coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
7. Funding resources identified and allocated
7a. Funding is available to increase climate resilience in vulnerable sectors and for
cross-cutting adaptation action
Yes / In Progress / No
A dedicated budget is not attached to the NAS. Funding for climate adaptation is available
at all levels within existing governmental budgets.
For 2017 and 2018, the NCC foresaw a dedicated budget for the implementation of the
NAP.62
The NAP actions are generally horizontal and, therefore, the budget is not dedicated
to one specific sector but every sector can benefit from these measures (e.g. the budget to
develop a web platform on adaptation where every sector will be integrated). The sectoral
adaptation actions have to be financed by each of the relevant policy departments and need
to be included in the annual department budget. Although there is no evidence of multi-
annual funding for climate adaptation, the different governments allocate a part of their
budget to implementing adaptation measures. For instance, in 2017, Flanders63
and
Wallonia64
funded impact assessments and the development of adaptation support tools to
help local authorities. Flanders funded the development of climate scenarios and assess
62 Personal communication with MS contact.
63 Ondersteuning lokale overheden, URL: http://www.vlaamseklimaattop.be/ondersteuning-lokale-overheden,
http://www.vlaamseklimaattop.be/ondersteuning-lokale-overheden,en, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018;
Adaptatieportaal, URL: http://burgemeestersconvenant.be/klimaatadaptatie, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
64 Tool to assess vulnerability at local level, URL:
http://www.awac.be/index.php/en/thematiques/changement-climatique/adaptation#a-diagnosis-of-
vulnerability-at-the-local-level, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 20 of 32
climate impacts65
. In addition, there was a think tank66
in Flanders on adaptation, financed
by the Department of Environment and Spatial Development to bring together expertise.
The Federal Government has funded an impact assessment study as well as research projects
(via BELSPO). There appears to be no climate adaptation funding in the Brussels Capital
region.
Step D: Implementing adaptation action
8. Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes
8a. Consideration of climate change adaptation has been included in the national
frameworks for environmental impact assessments
Yes / No
At the federal level, the need for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) was
established in law on 13 February 200667
. The Federal Government has provided guidance
on SEA via its website, since October 201768
, in order to ensure that assessments address
climate adaptation.
At the Flemish level, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU
was transposed into law via the Decree of 3 February 201769
. Consequently, climate
adaptation is considered in EIA70
.
In the Walloon region and Brussels-Capital region, the former EU directive 2011/92/UE is
still used to guide EIA, so climate change is not yet always considered in practice71
.
8b. Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under national disaster risk
management plans take into account climate change impacts and projections
Yes/ No
65 This fund is available at VMM
66 DenkTank Adaptatie, URL: http://www.dka.ugent.be/index.php/doelstelling/doelstelliing, Date accessed
on: 01/06/2018
67 SEA Guidance, URL: https://www.health.belgium.be/nl/sea-guidance-klimaat-en-milieueffect, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018
68 SEA Guidance, URL:https://www.health.belgium.be/nl/sea-guidance-klimaat-en-milieueffect, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018
69 Omgevingsvergunning en klimaatverandering in Vlaanderen, URL:
https://www.lne.be/omgevingsvergunning-gestart-op-23-februari-2017, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
70 Richtlijnenboek Milieueffectenrapportage, URL: https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/rlb-alg-
proc-en-meth-aspecten-2015.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
71 Portail environnement de Wallonie, URL: http://environnement.wallonie.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
and Evaluatie van de milieueffecten, URL: https://stedenbouw.irisnet.be/vergunning/de-
vergunningsaanvraag/evaluatie-van-de-milieueffecten-1, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 21 of 32
Disaster risk management is a shared responsibility between the local, provincial and federal
levels. Disaster risk management plans do not include direct reference to climate change.
The NAP72
includes a measure for the 2018 risk analysis to include consideration of climate
impacts in order to revise the disaster risk management plans73
. Specific plans for the
protection of critical infrastructure, as well as specific emergency management plans for
floods74
, heat waves75
and forest fires, do consider climate change to a certain extent.
8c. Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and maritime spatial planning
policies take into account the impacts of climate change
Yes/ No
Climate change is not yet completely integrated in land use, spatial planning, urban planning
and maritime planning. However, there are a few policy instruments implemented in spatial
planning in Flanders that aim to avoid new developments in flood risk areas (e.g. the
‘watertoets’ and the ‘Signaalgebieden’ in Flanders76
). However, these policy instruments are
based on current flood risk information rather than flood risks arising from climate change.
Climate change is mentioned in maritime spatial planning. It is being taken into account
throughout the planning process and has led to specific spatial decisions directly or
indirectly related to climate change, e.g. the designation of a zone for a test island for
coastal protection and the designation of additional zones for offshore renewable energy. In
addition, climate change is included in EIA.
Regional forestry policy instruments (e.g. the Walloon forest code, the Flanders forestry
policy and the Brussels forest plans) aim to enhance the climate resilience of forests. Some
major water and flood management initiatives with land-use implications consider climate
change (e.g. the Walloon Plan PLUIES77
and the Flemish SIGMA plan78
). However, no
guidance related to climate proofing of buildings has been found79
.
72 Federale bijdrage adapatieplan, URL:
http://www.klimaat.be/files/5514/7915/5040/federale_bijdrage_adaptatieplan.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018 73
Personal communication with MS contact. 74
Flanders Hydraulics, URL: http://www.waterinfo.be/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 75
Belgian Interregional Environment Agency, URL: http://www.irceline.be/en and Hittewaarschuwing, URL:
http://www.meteo.be/meteo/view/nl/1401103-Hittewaarschuwing.html, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 76
Watertoets, URL: http://www.integraalwaterbeleid.be/nl/beleidsinstrumenten/watertoets and, Date accessed
on: 01/06/2018; Signaalgebieden, URL:
http://www.integraalwaterbeleid.be/nl/beleidsinstrumenten/signaalgebieden, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 77
Plan Pluies, URL, http://environnement.wallonie.be/de/dcenn/plan_pluies/index.htm, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018 78
Sigmaplan, URL: http://sigmaplan.be/nl/, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 79
Personal communication with MS contact.
Page 22 of 32
8d. National policy instruments promote adaptation at sectoral level, in line with
national priorities and in areas where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies
Yes/ In progress/ No
The NAS, the federal contribution to the NAP and the regional adaptation plans promote the
mainstreaming of climate change in different policy sectors. Evidence of mainstreaming in
sectors is reported in the 7th
National Communication report80
across many sectors,
including water management, coastal areas, biodiversity, agriculture, forests, fishing,
infrastructure and urban environment, transport, tourism, health, industry and services,
energy, and disaster risk management. The policy instruments are diverse, ranging from an
information campaign to encourage water savings to integrating climate change in the
coastal safety master plan to encouraging farmer actions via climatic agri-environmental
measures. The NAS (2010) has been the sole driver of mainstreaming climate adaptation in
these sectors.
8e. Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative policy instruments, where
relevant, to provide incentives for investments in risk prevention
Yes/ No
The draft federal contribution to the NAP81
contains provisions to foster the consideration of
climate risks in insurance and guarantee schemes, and to support the productive sectors in
considering and addressing climate impacts and adaptation. However, this measure was not
retained in the final version (‘Federal Contribution to the NAP’) adopted by the Federal
Council of Ministers. Incorporating climate change in the insurance sector is also an
ambition of the Flemish Adaptation Plan. However, the progress report82,83
indicated that
the insurance sector is not yet willing to include climate change in their products due to lack
of a legal framework. No evidence was found of other incentives for investments in risk
prevention.
9. Implementing adaptation
80 7th National Communication, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/4315/1549/8156/NC7_EN_LR.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018 81
Federal Contribution to the national adaptation plan, URL:
http://www.klimaat.be/files/5514/7915/5040/federale_bijdrage_adaptatieplan.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018 82
Voortgangsrapport 2015. Vlaams Adaptatiebeleid, URL:
https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/VR%202016%201504%20MED.%20VORA2015%20-
%203%20bijlage.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 83
Voortgangsrapport 2017 Vlaams Adaptatiebeleid, URL:
https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/VORA2016-2017_Adaptatie.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018
Page 23 of 32
9a. Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g. as defined in action plans
or sectoral policy documents
Yes /In progress/ No
The NAS as well as the federal contribution to the NAP and the regional adaptation plans,
have listed adaptation measures and actions. These actions are mainly defined by sectors
and are implemented by the respective policy departments. There are also some overarching
horizontal adaptation actions listed like carrying out research84
, and establishing
transnational cooperation85
.
Many of the adaptation actions are being implemented86
sectorally, i.e. in relation to water
management, coastal areas, biodiversity, agriculture, forests, fishing, infrastructure and
urban environment, transport, tourism, health, industry & services, energy and disaster risk
management. Examples of adaptation actions include: awareness raising on the importance
of healthy soils; connecting nature areas; setting up a centre of excellence on adaptation;
considering climate change when restoring.
At the federal level, the adaptation actions have been implemented since 2016, so are in
progress, as was planned.
At the Flemish level, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2013 and most actions
are in progress, as was planned.
At the Walloon level, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2016 and most actions
are in progress, as was planned.
In the Brussels Capital region, implementation of adaptation actions started in 2016.
At the national level, implementation started in 2017.
There are some adaptation actions that emerged autonomously and were implemented even
before the adaptation plans were developed, like the SIGMA plan in Flanders in 2005 or
Plan PlUIES in Wallonia in 2003.
84 Vlaams Adaptatieplan, URL: https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2013-06-28_VAP.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018 85
Nationaal Adaptatieplan, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date accessed
on: 01/06/2018 86
Voortgangsrapport 2015. Vlaams adaptatieplan, URL:
https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/VR%202016%201504%20MED.%20VORA2015%20-
%203%20bijlage.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 24 of 32
In addition to the adaptation measures in the NAP, there are also some provinces and cities
that have listed adaptation measures that will soon be implemented87
.
9b. Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support adaptation at relevant
scales (e.g. local, subnational)
Yes/ No
Cooperation mechanisms at provincial and local levels are under development in Flanders
and Wallonia. These are the regions that could benefit most from these cooperation
mechanisms. The cooperation is being formalised in the Walloon.
In Flanders, the cooperation mechanism is provided by an adaptation support tool that was
developed by the Flemish government with a pilot group of local authorities in order to
support local authorities in the development of their adaptation plans. This support tool
includes:
A climate atlas that reveals the most vulnerable areas in Flanders
A tool to explore adaptation measures88
; and
Good practices about climate adaptation.
In the Walloon region, a comparable adaptation support tool for local authorities is
available.89
The Walloon region has recently signed a commitment to be a territorial coordinator of the
Covenant of Mayors. Cooperation is, therefore, emphasized in a more formal way. Several
workshops have been organized to present the tools available for the cities in the framework
of the POLLEC Programme. This programme supports cities to develop action plans for the
Covenant of Mayors. Wallonia also has more ad hoc cooperation, like the workshops
organised in the framework of the Flood Directive and the elaboration of the flood risk
management plans. These workshops were organised to disseminate information to cities,
provinces and other actors in charge of the flood risk management the Walloon region. The
adaptation tool for cities has been presented during these workshops.
87 Provinciaal Adaptatieplan, URL:
https://www.provincieantwerpen.be/content/dam/provant/dlm/dmn/klimaat/ProvinciaalAdaptatiePlan.pdf,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018; Adaptatieplan provincie Limburg, URL:
http://www.limburg.be/webfiles/limburg/product/klimaat_klimaatadaptatieplan_2017.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018; Adaptatieplan stad Gent, URL:
https://klimaat.stad.gent/sites/default/files/klimaatadaptatieplan_gent.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 88
Adaptatieportaal, URL: http://www.burgemeestersconvenant.be/klimaatadaptatie, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018 89
Tools to assess vulnerability, URL: http://www.awac.be/index.php/en/thematiques/changement-
climatique/adaptation#a-diagnosis-of-vulnerability-at-the-local-level: Adaptatioportal for Walloon local
authorities, URL: http://leswallonssadaptent.be, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 25 of 32
Some provinces are planning to coordinate adaptation with the local authorities. However,
as yet, no formalized coordination group has been established.
9c. Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the potential impact of climate
change on major projects or programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative
options, e.g. green infrastructure
Yes/ No
Measure 9 of the Federal contribution to the NAP is a cross-sectoral measure that foresaw
mainstreaming of climate adaptation in the development of federal policies. This measure
has been implemented through:
Integration of adaptation in the analysis procedure for regulation (the so-called AIR
– ‘analyse d’impact de legislation’) as well as in the manual for impact analysis for
regulation.
Development of guidelines to promote better integration of climate mitigation and
adaptation (and biodiversity) in SEA and EIA in the North Sea. The guidelines were
published in October 201790
. A (general) reference to the guidelines has been made
in the Belgian EIA regulation for activities in the North Sea (Royal Decree of 9
September 2003). The existing guidelines91
for SEA will be updated according to the
guidance.
Flanders has already developed guidelines to consider climate in EIA.
9d. There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the implementation of
adaptation policies and measures.
Yes / No
Many of the adaptation plans are government-driven. Stakeholders have a limited role in the
implementation of adaptation measures and are involved on an ad hoc basis, depending on
the adaptation measure considered. Although it is proposed that measures to address climate
impacts should be taken up by the private sector, there does not seem to be any public-
private cooperation.
90 Guidance climate change in EIA, URL:
http://www.climat.be/files/8215/0874/7294/Guidance_climat_et_impact_environmental.pdf, Date accessed on:
01/06/2018 91
Evaluation des incidences environmentales de certain plans, URL:
https://www.health.belgium.be/fr/document-dorientation-pour-levaluation-des-incidences-environnementales-
de-certains-plans-et, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
Page 26 of 32
Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities
10. Monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
10a. NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of the monitoring are
disseminated
Yes/ No
Monitoring implementation of adaptation policy takes place every two to four years at the
national level92
. The WGA monitors the progress of implementation in a qualitative way by
listing actions that are carried out by the different policy departments93
. The monitoring
indicators that are described in the different adaptation plans are used as guidance.
Allocated budgets and other financial information are not monitored. The National Climate
Commission integrates monitoring results into the National Communication report94
.
Monitoring has been taking place since 2015, as part of the National Communication report.
Results were disseminated in the 6th National Communication (2015-2016)95
and in the 7th
National Communication (2017-2018)96
, and are accessible amongst others via the national
website97
and the federal website98
.
A workshop for French-speaking technical staff working on climate adaptation in Africa
was co-organised by Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France, FAO and UNDP (Cluster
Francophone) in May 2018 in Couala (Cameroun). The focus was on monitoring and
evaluation of adaptation measures.
10b. The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral policies is monitored and
the results of the monitoring are disseminated
Yes / No
The monitoring results in National Communications are organised according to sectoral
policies. However, the monitoring of the NAP is not specified per sector.
92 Rapportering klimaatbeleid, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/nl-be/klimaatbeleid/belgisch-
klimaatbeleid/rapportering, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 93
7th
communication climate policy, URL:http://www.klimaat.be/files/4315/1549/8156/NC7_EN_LR.pdf,
Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 94
6th
communication climate policy, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018 95
http://www.klimaat.be/files/7514/5034/4559/BR2_EN.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 96
7th
National Communication, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/4315/1549/8156/NC7_EN_LR.pdf, Date
accessed on: 01/06/2018 97
URL: www.cnc-nkc.be, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 98
URL: www.climatechange.be, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018
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Nevertheless, at the Flemish level, the different policy sectors report on a bi-annual basis on
the progress of their adaptation actions99
. The first progress report was published for the
period 2013-2015. The second report for the period 2015-2017 was approved in March
2018.
At the federal level, in the framework of the federal law on monitoring, reporting and
verification (MRV), sectoral departments of the federal authority have to report on the
implementation of their respective adaptation measures (taken or planned), particularly the
actions provided for in the federal contribution to the NAP. Monitoring addresses the main
objectives, the climate impact category targeted, the planned and allocated budgets, the
degree of implementation and, to the extent possible, indicators (the Royal Decree
implementing the Law is not published yet).
At the level of the Walloon and the Brussels Capital region, no evidence was found of how
climate adaptation is monitored in sectoral policies.
10c. Regional-, sub-national or local action is monitored and the results of the
monitoring are disseminated
Yes/No
There is no systematic monitoring mechanism to collect and disseminate information on
progress with the implementation of adaptation actions at the provincial or local levels.
11. Evaluation
11a. A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and action plans is planned
Yes/No
A mid-term evaluation of the NAP will take place in 2018 and a final evaluation in 2020.
This timing is aligned with the periodic National Communication and the development of
the next NAP. Indicators identified in the NAP will be used in the evaluations. The mid-
term evaluation will assess the progress of implementation and evaluate strengths and
weaknesses. The final evaluation will mainly focus on identifying remaining gaps with
regard to adaptation actions.100,101
99 URL:
https://www.lne.be/sites/default/files/atoms/files/VR%202016%201504%20MED.%20VORA2015%20-
%203%20bijlage.pdf, Date accessed on: 01/06/2018 100
National Adaptation plan, URL: http://www.klimaat.be/files/6714/9880/5758/NAP_NL.pdf 101
Federal contribution to national adaptation plan, URL:
http://www.klimaat.be/files/5514/7915/5040/federale_bijdrage_adaptatieplan.pdf
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The regional level will contribute to the evaluation. The federal level has specified in the
Federal Contribution to the NAP that an evaluation will take place to assess coherence
between actions in the NAP and actions taken at the federal level.
11b. Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation and review of national
adaptation policy
Yes/No
No specific information on external stakeholder involvement in the monitoring, evaluation
or review of the adaptation strategies or plans was found. It is expected that assessment,
evaluation and review will be undertaken by the actors involved in the WGA and respective
regional platforms.
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SUMMARY TABLE
Adaptation Preparedness Scoreboard
No. Indicator Met?
Step A: Preparing the ground for adaptation
1 Coordination structure
1a A central administration body officially in charge of
adaptation policy making Yes / No
1b Horizontal (i.e. sectoral) coordination mechanisms exist
within the governance system, with division of
responsibilities
Yes / In Progress
/ No
1c Vertical (i.e. across levels of administration) coordination
mechanisms exist within the governance system, enabling
lower levels of administration to influence policy making.
Yes / In
Progress / No
2 Stakeholders’ involvement in policy development
2a A dedicated process is in place to facilitate stakeholders'
involvement in the preparation of adaptation policies Yes / No
2b Transboundary cooperation is planned to address
common challenges with relevant countries Yes / No
Step B: Assessing risks and vulnerabilities to climate change
3 Current and projected climate change
3a Observation systems are in place to monitor climate
change, extreme climate events and their impacts
Yes / In progress
/ No
3b Scenarios and projections are used to assess the
economic, social and environmental impacts of climate
change, taking into account geographical specificities and
best available science (e.g. in response to revised IPCC
assessments)
Yes / In progress
/ No
3c Sound climate risks/vulnerability assessments for priority
vulnerable sectors are undertaken to support adaptation
decision making.
Yes / In progress
/ No
3d Climate risks/vulnerability assessments take
transboundary risks into account, when relevant
Yes / In
progress / No
4 Knowledge gaps
4a Work is being carried out to identify, prioritise and Yes / In progress
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Adaptation Preparedness Scoreboard
No. Indicator Met?
address the knowledge gaps / No
5 Knowledge transfer
5a Adaptation relevant data and information is available to
all stakeholders, including policy makers (e.g. through a
dedicated website or other comparable means).
Yes / In progress
/ No
5b Capacity building activities take place; education and
training materials on climate change adaptation concepts
and practices are available and disseminated
Yes / In
progress / No
Step C: Identifying adaptation options
6 Identification of adaptation options
6a Adaptation options address the sectoral risks identified in
3c, the geographical specificities identified in 3b and
follow best practices in similar contexts
Yes / No
6b The selection of priority adaptation options is based on
robust methods (e.g. multi-criteria analyses, stakeholders'
consultation, etc.) and consistent with existing decision-
making frameworks
Yes / No
6c Mechanisms are in place to coordinate disaster risk
management and climate change adaptation and to ensure
coherence between the two policies
Yes/ In Progress
/ No
7 Funding resources identified and allocated
7a Funding is available to increase climate resilience in
vulnerable sectors and for cross-cutting adaptation action
Yes / In
Progress / No
Step D: Implementing adaptation action
8 Mainstreaming adaptation in planning processes
8a Consideration of climate change adaptation has been
included in the national frameworks for environmental
impact assessments
Yes / No
8b Prevention/preparedness strategies in place under
national disaster risk management plans take into account
climate change impacts and projections
Yes / No
8c Key land use, spatial planning, urban planning and
maritime spatial planning policies take into account the Yes / No
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Adaptation Preparedness Scoreboard
No. Indicator Met?
impacts of climate change
8d National policy instruments promote adaptation at
sectoral level, in line with national priorities and in areas
where adaptation is mainstreamed in EU policies
Yes / In Progress
/ No
8e Adaptation is mainstreamed in insurance or alternative
policy instruments, where relevant, to provide incentives
for investments in risk prevention
Yes / No
9 Implementing adaptation
9a Adaptation policies and measures are implemented, e.g.
as defined in action plans or sectoral policy documents
Yes / In
Progress / No
9b Cooperation mechanisms in place to foster and support
adaptation at relevant scales (e.g. local, subnational) Yes / No
9c Procedures or guidelines are available to assess the
potential impact of climate change on major projects or
programmes, and facilitate the choice of alternative
options, e.g. green infrastructure
Yes / No
9d There are processes for stakeholders' involvement in the
implementation of adaptation policies and measures. Yes / No
Step E: Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities
10 Monitoring and reporting
10a NAS/NAP implementation is monitored and the results of
the monitoring are disseminated Yes / No
10b The integration of climate change adaptation in sectoral
policies is monitored and the results of the monitoring are
disseminated
Yes / No
10c Regional-, sub-national or local action is monitored and
the results of the monitoring are disseminated Yes / No
11 Evaluation
11a A periodic review of the national adaptation strategy and
action plans is planned Yes / No
11b Stakeholders are involved in the assessment, evaluation
and review of national adaptation policy Yes / No
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